United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
Search the website
Back to Results

A Speech in the House of Representatives. A Sample Session in These Days of Legislation in Committee Rooms. Just a Little Side-show for the Gallery

A Speech in the House of Representatives. A Sample Session in These Days of Legislation in Committee Rooms. Just a Little Side-show for the Gallery/tiles/collection/6/6329.xml
Previous Next

Date

1908-05-13

Publisher

Puck

Artist

Albert Levering

Dimensions

13 3/4 x 20 1/8 in. (34.9 x 51.1 cm)

Accession Number

2009.047.000

Credit Line

Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives

Object Details

A scene of confusion in the Chamber commented upon the relative importance of committee work and floor debate in the House—the histrionics of the Member speaking on the floor are called a “side show” for the visitor’s gallery. The visitors depicted are mostly white-bearded old men, cupping their ears to hear. Members talk and laugh amongst themselves, napping, reading the news, and doing everything but listening to the proceedings. The only attentive individuals on the floor are the official reporters, furiously scribbling, and the forlorn Page, standing with a glass and pitcher next to the expostulating Congressman.

Rights and Reproduction Information

Objects

Washington, D.C. - The Official Count of the Electoral Votes for President and Vice President, in the Hall of the Representatives, February 9th
Washington, D.C. - The Official Count of the Electoral Votes for President and Vice President, in the Hall of the Representatives, February 9th

Exhibitions & Publications

Capitol Messengers: History of the House Pages
Capitol Messengers: History of the House Pages
Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov